Sterling: Liverpool's new signings and last season's injury means I'll have to prove myself to Rodgers all over again

Raheem Sterling has admitted he still has everything to prove before being able to say he is a fully-fledged member of Liverpool's first team.

The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for Sterling, as he has gone from being a Academy graduate of some promise to an 18-year-old with a full England cap and with more than 30 senior appearances under his belt.

There has been considerable hype around Sterling since his first fearless starts in the Barclays Premier League last August but there is no sense the winger has started to believe his own publicity.

Talented: Big things are expected of Raheem Sterling at Liverpool

Sterling showed the benefits of some extra curricular training on Saturday when scampering through to score the third goal in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Preston at Deepdale and he will be part of the squad that flies to Indonesia on Tuesday.

He, though, is under no illusions about the size of the task confronting him. Sterling believes he must prove to Brendan Rodgers all over again that he deserves to be considered for a regular starting role.

'There’s still a lot of work to be done which I thought I should’ve done last season only for my injury,' said Sterling. 'I’m just looking forward to working hard in training and in games to try and show the manager what I can do to try and cement a place.

Working hard: The wideman is determined to have a big impact this season

Forward thinking: Brendan Rodgers have put lots of faith in his younger players

'Last season was a good start. The manager gave me the chance to go out on the pitch and show what I can do but then my injury started kicking in and my performances weren’t the best. It was obviously taking a toll on me so the manager took me out to protect me.

'It was also to get me ready for the new season. I’m not really thinking about (raised expectations). As young lad I just have to go out there and play my game. People are going to be expecting things from me now but I’m not going to put pressure on myself.

'I’m just going to go out there and do my best for myself and the team.'

Circumstances, in terms of a lack of depth to the squad, presented Sterling with his initial opportunity last season but this time competition for places will be significantly more intense and that has raised the prospect that he may be loaned out.

Competition: Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto will rival Sterling for a place in Liverpool's front three

That option, however, is not something he wants to consider. Having given up some of his summer to gain fitness after missing the European Under-21 Championships with a thigh problem, Sterling is determined to show he belongs.

Blessed with searing pace and trickery, Sterling is technically proficient but he is well aware that his goals output, not to mention the number of chances he creates, must be improved going forward.

'It’s a work in progress but hopefully on the tour I can show the manager that I can be part of the team,' said Sterling. 'The game in the Premier League is obviously fast paced so I’ll be looking to use my pace but also out-think defenders.

'I've got to mix my game up as well which means not always dribbling and taking a few less touches. Everyone can see I like running with the ball so that could make it easy for defenders to read me. That’s why I need to mix it up.'